PLA's, doulas and midwives

[marisal]

I am due with no. 2 in May of this year. I just started reading the Dr. Sears Birth Book for the first time yesterday and am enamored with the idea of a PLA (Personal Labor Assistant)/doula. Are they still called PLAs?

Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone had experience with a doula or PLA that they would like to share.
Also are there any fantastic resources for finding one in my area? I am going to have a hospital birth due to pre-existing medical problems but I think I would be able to have a pretty normal birth throughout.

With no. 1 I was completely intimidated and hooked up to all sorts of machines. I remember reading about all the different birthing and laboring positions and laboring tubs and being excited and fascinated by the possibilities but none of that happened. I think I ended up being "induced" in a way with the doctor breaking the membranes because there was a slight trickle of fluid. Pitocin and something else was used, EFM, epidural, the works. I would like to have more control and definitely have someone around who can help me through so my husband doesn't have to feel so much pressure.

My ob/gyn practice has a midwife that I plan on talking to next week, but I'm not sure if she can certainly be there or if her schedule rotates like the ob's.

I would love to have someone to discuss birth plans etc. with during the pregnancy so I can really get a feel for what my "birthing philosophy" is.

Excited to hear comments!
Thanks.
:hugs:

[tazzae]

The term Doula seems to be prefered--at least around here. I had one and would [I]highly[I] recommend it. She made several prenatal visits, helping me work through any fears, develop labor strategies and formulate my birth plan. I didn't really have a labor--it's another long story--but felt she was worth it just for the prenatal and postpartum support.
Try searching on www.dona.org for a doula in your area. You might also ask the midwife/OB, childbirth education instructor, or anyone else you know who is pro-natural childbirth. Best of luck!

[ohiomama]

I had a doula at our birth (Myles in now 9mo) and it was WONDERFUL!!! I HIGHLY recommend hiring a doula or some labor assistant! It made a huge difference in terms of "control" over what happened during labor. Our doula met with us before had, and since we live in a small community we saw eachother around town a lot and my husband and I developed a friendship with her (definatly a more baby centered frienship!) But, to my understanding most doulas are VERY open to forming a relationship with thier clients!
In the delivery room, I focused soooo much on my husband, and our doula focused on us BOTH! she reallly really helped my husband support me. There was a very very calm atmosphere in the room and i really felt I had a sense of control and "power" of what happened to me and my baby!

but other things I would recommend--- a birth class that focuses on informed childbirth and 2) writing a Birth Plan and discussing it with your OB!

If you have any specific quetions please feel free to pm me :)

[Namaste]

I am a postpartum doula and will be training for labor. I just wanted to say good for you!

[Luv2bemommy]

I'm a birth doula and soon to be a student midwife, just wanted to say having a doula is one of the best decisions you can make!! GOOD for you for wanting one!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: